Motorcycling: Iannone to miss Japanese GP

Ducati MotoGP rider Andrea Iannone of Italy rides during the first free practice session of the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, October 23, 2015.
REUTERS/Olivia Harris/Files

Ducati MotoGP rider Andrea Iannone will miss this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi on medical advice and will not be replaced, the factory team said on Monday.

The Italian, eighth overall in the championship, has missed the last two races after suffering a fractured vertebra when he fell in practice for the San Marino Grand Prix in September.

Ducati said in a statement that Iannone, who won in Austria in August and is joining Suzuki next season, had checks last week that showed his recovery was going well.

"However, Iannone’s doctor has advised him to continue with his rehabilitation and to wait a few more days until the fracture has completely healed, before going out onto the track once again," it added.

"The rider...in agreement with his team, has therefore decided not to take part in the GP of Japan and to return to the championship at the Australian GP from 21 to 23 October."

Ducati's only works rider in Japan will be Italian Andrea Dovizioso.

There are three races remaining after Japan. Spanish Honda rider Marc Marquez has a 52-point lead in the championship over Yamaha's Italian Valentino Rossi.

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